If something says "Dry Clean Only", is it really?

Question

I have a Gap coat that is 65% wool, 30% nylon, and 5% other fibers (whatever that means). Should I risk putting it in the washing machine? I need it for a funeral service this evening.

Answer 1

NOOOOOO! The reason it is dry clean only is if you wash it, the different fabrics shrink differently. You will have a lining that hangs down below the bottom of the shrunken wool. Most dry cleaners have same day service. If it has no spots on it but needs smell relief, hang outside for 30 minutes, if weather doesn't permit that, buy a bottle a febreeze. I don't use the stuff but have friends that over use it and it does work. Hope this helps. (Washing the coat, it wouldn't air dry in time and if you dry it in the dryer, you probably won't be able to wear it.)

Answer 2

Because of the high wool content, I would not put into the washing machine. In this case, dry clean only.
In general, if an item can either be machine washed or dry cleaned... the tag will say Dry Clean Only. Manufacturers put the cleaning method least likely to harm the garment on the care tags.

Answer 3

If you put it in the washing machine you will shrink it if you use the agitation!!!!!

You can fill the washer with warm water, a tablespoon of your hair shampoo, and soak the coat for about 15 minutes. Spin the water out, remove the coat, fill the washer with rinse water and soak again for 15 minutes. Final rinse add a tablespoon of your hair conditioner.

Do not use the agitation in the washer!!! That will only felt and shrink your coat!! Do not tumble in the dryer for the same reason!! If you have non tumble heat setting that may work ok.

Much better if you can find a dry cleaner that will do it fast.

Answer 4

I have washed many dry clean only clothes with cold water on delicate. The majority have survived the wash, but a certain percentage maybe 2% has shrunk so that it looks too tight on me, but still wearable.

Judging by the contents only , I would not risk washing it before I used it. Maybe after. And I dont need it anymore anyway.

Look into your wardrobe. Is there another coat that you can use if this one shrinks 2 sizes smaller? Yes? If you only want to freshen it, just steam clean it.

Answer 5

The washing machine won't shrink the living bageeves out of it, the dryer will, and it won't dry on it's own by this evening..

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

yea

Answer 8

of course it's real...